Make Way for Ducklings

by Robert McCloskey
Make Way for Ducklings cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Children's Fiction
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Format • £7.59
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  • ID: 8771
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781101654835
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 1999-02-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Make Way for Ducklings is a timeless classic that beautifully illustrates the importance of kindness, perseverance, and familial love. This enchanting picture book follows Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings—Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack—as they embark on a journey to find the perfect home in the Boston Public Gardens. The story highlights the challenges they face navigating the busy streets of Boston and the compassionate intervention of the local police who ensure their safe passage. /n/n The book is not only a delightful tale of a duck family's devotion and perseverance but also a gentle reminder of the goodness of humanity. With its brilliantly illustrated pages and optional audio narration by Jake Gyllenhaal, this Read & Listen edition brings the story to life in a way that captivates both young and old readers alike.

Reviews
Common Sense Media · Sally Snyder · 2018-12-14
gentle 4.00

This gentle story of a duck family is skillfully told and straightforward, making it a perfect choice for young readers. Parents will appreciate the lack of concerning content.

Sally Snyder from Common Sense Media notes that Make Way for Ducklings is a gentle and straightforward story that parents can feel good about sharing with their children. The narrative is skillfully told, focusing on the family of ducks and their journey. They emphasize that there is nothing of concern in the story, making it a safe and enjoyable read for young audiences. The book's simplicity and charm are highlighted, ensuring it remains a beloved classic.

Quick quotes

    Parents need to know that there is nothing of concern in this gentle story of a family of ducks.

    Told skillfully and straightforwardly.

    A perfect choice for young readers.

the starving artist · Devonte Varro Flaherty · 2018-06-05
timeless 4.50

This classic story is well-written and interesting, with a gentle portrayal of struggle that is appropriate for children. It remains a favorite for its timeless appeal and soft storytelling.

Devonte Varro Flaherty highlights that Make Way for Ducklings is a classic for a reason. The story is well-written and engaging, making it interesting for both children and adults. The struggle within the story is told softly, which makes it appropriate and gentle for young readers. They appreciate how the book explores themes of family and perseverance in a way that resonates with children, making it a timeless favorite.

Quick quotes

    Make Way for Ducklings is classic for a reason.

    It is well written. Interesting. Appropriate for children.

    There is a struggle, but it is told softly, which is perfect for young minds.

Childtastic Books · 2018-05-08
joyful 4.75

This joyful book won the Caldecott Medal for its funny, sweet, and gentle portrayal of a duck family's journey. It's easy to see why it's a beloved classic.

The reviewer from Childtastic Books praises Make Way for Ducklings for its joyful and heartwarming storytelling. They point out that the book's funny and sweet nature, combined with its gentle approach to the duck family's journey, makes it a standout. The reviewer notes that it's no surprise this book won the Caldecott Medal, as its charm and appeal are evident. They highlight how the book's illustrations and storytelling work together to create a timeless classic that continues to delight readers.

Quick quotes

    Robert McCloskey won the coveted Caldecott Medal for this joy of a book.

    It's funny, sweet and a gentle portrayal of one duck family's journey.

    It's easy to understand why it's a beloved classic.

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